1. What is the SF-36 Quality of Life Assessment?

The SF-36 is a widely used health survey that measures quality of life across eight domains. It provides a comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SF-36 scoring method:

Where each domain is scored from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Explanation: The eight domains are weighted equally to calculate an overall quality of life score.

3. Importance of Quality of Life Measurement

Details: The SF-36 helps evaluate health outcomes, compare population health, and assess treatment effectiveness across various conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter scores for all eight domains (0-100). Each domain represents a different aspect of health-related quality of life.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the eight domains measure?
A: Physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health.

Q2: What is a good SF-36 score?
A: Higher scores indicate better health. Average scores vary by age and population, but scores above 80 are generally considered good.

Q3: How often should SF-36 be administered?
A: Typically at baseline and follow-up intervals depending on the clinical or research context (e.g., every 3-6 months).

Q4: Are there different versions of SF-36?
A: Yes, including SF-36v2 (improved version) and shorter forms like SF-12. This calculator uses the original SF-36.

Q5: Can SF-36 be used internationally?
A: Yes, it has been validated in many languages and cultural contexts, though norms may vary by country.